Afro
Afro & Wash-and-Go Family
Illustration -- About our illustrations
The Afro is natural, unstraightened hair worn out and shaped into a full, rounded silhouette, usually lifted and shaped with an Afro pick. It became a prominent symbol of Black pride and self-definition in the 1960s and 1970s and remains a classic way to wear coily and kinky hair.
Distinguishing characteristics
Nothing is braided, twisted or set: the shape comes from the hair's own texture, a stretch (often from picking or blow-drying) and shaping, sometimes refined with scissors. Length ranges from a short teeny weeny Afro (TWA) to a large, rounded Afro.
Advantages
Celebrates natural texture, needs no extensions and is gentle on the scalp.
Considerations
Longer Afros tangle and knot if not detangled regularly, and the shape can compress overnight.
Warning signs
Single-strand knots and breakage at the ends mean the hair needs more moisture and a trim.
Preparation
Start from clean, moisturised hair. Stretching the hair first, by banding, twisting or a gentle blow-dry, makes it easier to pick out evenly. A shaping cut keeps the outline even.
Daily Care
Pick from the roots outward, never dragging through the ends. Refresh with a water-based leave-in and seal with a little oil.
Night Care
Pineapple longer hair loosely or sleep in a satin bonnet; a satin pillowcase reduces friction.
Washing
Wash and condition on your usual schedule, then detangle in sections with conditioner before re-shaping.
Scalp Care
With the scalp easy to reach, keep it clean and use light products to avoid buildup.
Refreshing
Mist, re-pick and pat the outline back into shape; regular trims keep the silhouette round.
Styling tips
Shape it round, tapered at the sides, or pushed forward with a headband. A TWA is easy to define with a curl sponge or gel.
At a glance
- Looks
- 4 looks
Looks
- Short Afro (TWA)
- Rounded Afro
- Tapered Afro
- Picked-Out Large Afro
FAQs
- What is the difference between a TWA and an Afro?
A TWA (teeny weeny Afro) is simply a short Afro. Both are worn loose with no braids, twists or set; the difference is length, so a TWA is listed as a look of the Afro rather than as a separate style.
- How do I keep an Afro round overnight?
Longer Afros compress while you sleep. Loosely gather the hair on top of your head under a satin scarf or bonnet, then in the morning mist it, re-pick it and pat the outline back into shape.